Do Cover Letters Still Matter for Job Applications?
Discover if cover letters are worth your time, when they matter most, and how to make them stand out to recruiters in a competitive job market.
Imagine this: You're a hiring manager facing a mountain of over 100 resumes for a single open position. It's late, your eyes are tired, and that stack isn't getting any smaller. Are you really going to read every single cover letter that accompanies each application?
For many job seekers, this is the million-dollar question. Some argue that cover letters are a waste of time—hiring managers are too busy, attention spans are shrinking, and no one reads them anyway. If your resume is strong enough, they claim it should speak for itself.
While not every recruiter will read them, some still consider cover letters an essential part of the candidate evaluation process. In fact, a well-crafted cover letter may be the very thing that lands your resume at the top of the 'yes' pile instead of being tossed aside.
So, what gives? Are cover letters obsolete, or are they a secret weapon that could help you edge out the competition? As with most things in life, the answer is: it depends.
What Exactly is a Cover Letter?
Before we debate the relevance of cover letters, let's ensure we're all on the same page about what they actually are. In simplest terms, a cover letter is a document you send along with your resume when applying for a job.
It's your chance to tell the hiring manager who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you're interested in the position.
Think of it as a personal introduction, a compelling sales pitch, and a golden opportunity to showcase your communication skills—all rolled into one.
A great cover letter can accomplish several key objectives:
Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences
Explain any gaps in your employment history or reasons for changing careers
Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and industry
Convey your enthusiasm and personality in a way that a resume alone cannot
Cover letters can take different forms depending on the situation. While the format may vary, the goal is always the same—to grab the reader's attention, make a compelling case for your candidacy, and ultimately land an interview. A well-written cover letter can be the key that unlocks new opportunities and sets you apart in a sea of applicants.
Do Recruiters Actually Read Cover Letters?
We've all heard the naysayers who claim that cover letters are a waste of time because no one reads them. But is that really true? The answer, as it turns out, is not so clear-cut.
I'm one of those skeptics who think that, for most roles, a cover letter is not only a waste of time but might even leave a bad impression if a candidate uses a generic AI prompt, resulting in generic responses.
However, the information I'm sharing should present all the pros and cons, as every situation is unique. Whether to use your cover letter or not is totally up to you.
In its 2020 Recruiter Nation Report, based on a survey of 806 recruiters conducted by Zogby Analytics, Jobvite found that just 27% of recruiters consider cover letters when evaluating a job application.1
A study by ResumeLab found that "83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn't good enough"
So, is it 27% or 83%? I'm leaning towards 27% because I've seen that 83% I've seen that 83% statistic around for years. Over the years, I've noticed this stat is mentioned quite often, especially from companies that offer resume and cover letter services.
But my curiosity got the better of me, and I hopped into the Wayback Machine to see if this information was correct. Turns out, the study from ResumeLab was first archived by the Wayback Machine in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and even 2024 with the same data. So ResumeLab has been spreading the same “misinformation” since 2019.
Presenting it like it's still valid, and I have a feeling we'll still see the “83% of respondents claimed a great cover letter can secure you an interview” claim in 2025 and beyond.
I've done my fair share of digging and surveys too, chatting with recruiters to see how many of them actually read cover letters. It turns out, about 85-96% of them don't even bother. The results depend on how many folks are job hunting. When few people are looking, more recruiters read the cover letters. But when there's a flood of candidates? Not so much.
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. While some recruiters may appreciate the extra effort and insight a cover letter provides, others may not have the time or inclination to read it at all.
When Cover Letters Matter Most:
While the importance of cover letters may vary, there are certain situations where they can be your secret weapon in the job search process. Let's explore a few scenarios where a well-crafted cover letter can make a significant impact.
1. First job out of school
If you're a recent graduate looking for your first professional role, a cover letter can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your potential and enthusiasm. Without extensive work experience, your cover letter allows you to highlight relevant coursework, internships, or projects that demonstrate your skills and passion for the field. It's your chance to tell your story and explain why you're the perfect fit for the role, even if your resume doesn't have years of experience to back it up.
2. Overqualified but passionate
On the flip side, if you're applying for a job that you might be overqualified for, a cover letter can help you address that elephant in the room. Use your cover letter to explain why you're genuinely interested in the position and how it aligns with your long-term career goals. Emphasize your enthusiasm for the company and the specific role, and show how your extra experience can be an asset rather than a hindrance.
3. Career transitions
If you're looking to switch industries or make a significant career change, a cover letter is your opportunity to connect the dots for the recruiter. Use your cover letter to highlight transferable skills and experiences that may not be immediately obvious from your resume. Tell the story of why you're making the change and how your unique background can bring fresh perspectives and value to the role.
4. Career Gaps
Explaining employment gaps or unique situations If you have any gaps in your work history, are transitioning back into the workforce after an absence, or have other unique circumstances to explain, a cover letter is the perfect place to proactively address them.
For example, if you took time off to care for a family member or pursue a personal passion project, frame it in a way that highlights the valuable skills and perspective you gained from the experience. The key is to be honest, positive and focus on how it ultimately makes you a stronger candidate.
In these situations, a cover letter allows you to provide context, showcase your personality, and make a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate. It's your chance to go beyond the bullet points and make a genuine connection with the recruiter.
However, it's important to remember that not all situations require a cover letter.
What Makes a Cover Letter Stand Out?
Before you start typing away, let's talk about what separates a generic, throwaway letter from one that truly shines.
Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:
Customize, customize, customize
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending out the same template cover letter for every application. Recruiters can spot a generic letter (AI-generated) from a mile away, and it signals a lack of effort and genuine interest. Instead, take the time to tailor each letter to the specific role and company you're targeting.
Start by closely reading the job description and noting any key skills, qualities or experiences the employer is looking for. Then, cherry-pick examples from your own background that demonstrate those abilities, and work them into your letter. You should also refer to the company by name, mention any recent news or developments that caught your attention, and highlight what excites you about their mission or culture.
Tell a compelling story
Let's face it - a dry, bullet-pointed list of your skills and experiences isn't exactly riveting material. To really capture a reader's interest, use storytelling techniques to paint a vivid picture of your career journey and accomplishments.
For example, instead of simply stating that you "increased sales revenue by 20%", set the stage by describing the challenge you faced, the action you took, and the impressive result you achieved. Use concrete details and metrics to make your story pop. You can also share anecdotes that highlight your personality, passions and values - just keep them brief and relevant.
The goal is to craft a compelling narrative arc that draws the reader in and makes them want to root for you. If you can leave them eager to meet you and learn more, you've nailed it.
Inject personality (professionally)
A cover letter is a prime opportunity to let your unique personality and voice shine through - something a resume alone often fails to capture. Recruiters love candidates who come across as genuine, likable and well-rounded, so don't be afraid to infuse some personal flair into your writing.
That said, there's a fine line between charming and unprofessional. Avoid slang, jokes or overly casual language, and steer clear of anything that could come across as cocky or presumptuous. Aim for a warm, conversational tone that feels both friendly and polished. When in doubt, have a trusted friend or mentor give it a read and offer feedback.
Get specific and show investment
Generic, vague statements like "I'm a hard worker" or "I'm passionate about marketing" are not going to cut it in a standout cover letter. Instead, get specific about what excites you about this particular company and role.
Dive into their website, read their blog and press releases, and research their competitors. Then, connect the dots between your skills and their needs. For example, you might say:
"I was excited to see that ABC Company is launching a new eco-friendly product line. With my background in sustainable packaging design, I would love to help tackle the challenge of creating innovative, low-waste solutions that align with the company's mission."
This level of specificity shows you've done your homework and have a genuine interest in contributing to the company's goals. And that's always an attractive quality in a candidate.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Cover Letter?
In recent years, the rise of AI-powered writing tools like ChatGPT have made it easier than ever to generate polished, professional-sounding cover letter content in minutes. But is this really the best approach?
On one hand, these tools can be incredibly helpful for brainstorming ideas, outlining key points, and checking spelling and grammar. They can also save time and take some of the stress out of the writing process.
However, relying too heavily on AI can also backfire. Recruiters can often tell when a letter sounds generic, impersonal or overly templated. There's also the risk that AI-generated content could be flagged as plagiarism if the same tool is used by multiple applicants.
So what's the best way to leverage AI in your cover letter writing process? Here are a few tips:
Use it for inspiration and outlining, but not as a complete substitute for your own original writing
Always heavily customize and edit the content to infuse your unique voice, details and personality
Double check for any errors, inconsistencies or repetitive language the tool may have missed
Consider it a starting point, not an end point - the goal is still to create a letter that sounds authentically like you
At the end of the day, a cover letter is your opportunity to make a human connection with a potential employer. And while AI can be a helpful aid in that process, it's not a magic bullet. The most effective letters will always be the ones that strike a balance - polished and professional, but with a uniquely personal touch.
Cover Letter ChatGPT prompt
Here's an easy version of the prompt you can use to draft your cover letter. The more polished one that tends to get better results is at the end of the article.
I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My professional background includes [X years] of experience in [Industry/Field], with expertise in [Key Skills or Competencies]. Notable achievements in my career include [Specific Accomplishments, e.g., 'increasing sales by 20%' or 'leading a successful project implementation']. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its [Specific Company Values, Culture, or Projects]. Please draft a cover letter that highlights how my experience and skills align with the responsibilities of the [Job Title] role at [Company Name], and how I can contribute to the company's objectives.
Cover Letter
The reality is that cover letters may not be strictly necessary 100% of the time. But in some cases, they can still be a powerful secret weapon to elevate your candidacy and give you an edge.
Even though the majority of recruiters view them as unimportant, some hiring managers and recruiters can appreciate that extra level of effort and personality that a great cover letter conveys.
The most effective cover letters are the ones that strike a balance - concise yet compelling, professional yet personal. They supplement your resume with additional context, highlight your most relevant selling points, and give a glimpse into what makes you unique.
Tips for Irresistible Cover Letters (+ ChatGPT Prompt)
Now that we've explored the nuances of when and how to use cover letters, let's me share with you top tips for crafting an irresistible cover letter that will make you stand out from the competition. Plus, an advanced ChatGTP prompt will help you create a great cover letter.